Which Case Trimmer to buy?????

[Mikhail2400]

Im new to reloading and so far the biggest thing I have learned is theres always something else I need to buy. Im thinking the whole "save money by reloading" is a crock. With that said im ok with everything so far and I really like it all so far.

Ok now to the reason for this thread, I need a case trimmer. At the moment im leaning towards the Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit, mainly because the kit seems to cover all I will need.

Theres also the Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress but the cost, bad reviews on build quality and I dont think it will work with shoulder-less brass.

I dont really like the trimmers which require you to buy different parts to fit different calibers, which is why I do like the Forster listed above and the Lyman which comes with quite alot of size bushings. So if ant of you have any advice you wish to share with this rookie please do so. At the moment im kind of wondering which way to jump.

 

[tlf65]

I have two Forester trimmers, one for trimming, one for neck turning. They work great and last a long time I've used one of them for about 45 years now. If you get one buy the adapter that allows you to use an electric drill or screwdriver.

 

[rsnell]

You can not go wrong with a Forster trimmer. I have been using one for 25 years.

 

[Bartojc]

Many like the Forester and I'm sure it is of good quality. I have a Lyman and have no complaints. How many calibers do you have to do right now. If price is a concern I've used the Lee trimmer with the caliber specific pilots. You check them in a drill and they work great. I don't know if I'd process thousands on one, but they work well.

-Jeff

 

[Hartkopf]

Im new to reloading and so far the biggest thing I have learned is theres always something else I need to buy. Im thinking the whole "save money by reloading" is a crock of sh1t. With that said im ok with everything so far and I really like it all so far.

Ok now to the reason for this thread, I need a case trimmer. At the moment im leaning towards the Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit, mainly because the kit seems to cover all I will need.

Theres also the Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress but the cost, bad reviews on build quality and I dont think it will work with shoulder-less brass.

I dont really like the trimmers which require you to buy different parts to fit different calibers, which is why I do like the Forster listed above and the Lyman which comes with quite alot of size bushings. So if ant of you have any advice you wish to share with this rookie please do so. At the moment im kind of wondering which way to jump.

What will you be reloading? I've reloaded at least 7000 pistol rounds over the last 18 months. Haven't used my case trimmer yet.

 

[Mikhail2400]

I would like the ability to reload brass in every die I own
Heres a list of the dies that I inherited with the rl550 when my dad passed. He also left some new brass in a couple of these calibers.

338 WinMag I dont have rifle in this caliber
308 Win
375 Super Mag Dont have rifle
243 Win
30-06 Springfield
45 ACP
380 Auto Dont have rifle
38/357
44 Mag/ 44 Spec



Dies i bought which I will be reloading regularly

223
300 Blk This caliber is one reason I need a trimmer as I have a bit of Lake City I plan to cutdown
9mm Luger

What will you be reloading? I've reloaded at least 7000 pistol rounds over the last 18 months. Haven't used my case trimmer yet.

Thanks alot for that little bit of info as 9mm will be one of the calibers I mostly reload.

 

[JJFitch]

I really like the "Little Crow" Case trimmer for high volume trimming!
Brownell's
749-013-293WB
223 Remington Trimmer

Mfr Part: WFT223

They are case specific though!

 

[lightman]

You're probably smart not buying one with bad reviews. I've owned the Lyman Universal and was pretty satisfied with it. The universal chuck was convenient. I've owned a few others and finally settled on the Wilson with all the bells and whistles that Sinclair offers on it. Whatever you get, the carbide cutter option is worth the cost, in my opinion.

For my higher volume stuff I have a Giraud bench model.

 

[Kaldor]

Little Crow WFT2 if you want to trim off the shoulder. This will be the easiest and cheapest route for more higher volume 223 and 300 BO. You just buy the correct insert for the caliber you want to trim. You can also sometimes use an insert to trim brass that it wasnt specifically designed for, like using the 308 insert to trim 243 brass. Your mileage may vary on that one!

For oddball calibers you only need to do say a 100 of a year or less, I like the Lyman trimmer. Its quick, simple and accurate. I like that it doesnt require specific shell holders, which are just another thing to lose. Will also trim 38/357/44 brass if you feel the need, however most of the time its a waste of time unless you have a huge variation in case length and want to even a few cases out for more accurate roll crimping.

You really dont need to trim 9mm, 45 ACP, 380 pistol brass. They actually get shorter over time.

 

[troy fairweather]

Id go forester, they just work. My dad got one of the new Lyman cheap on sale last year, it's a real pos the bore is very sloppy like you would need two playing cards for shims.

 

[hdbiker]

I been looking at the Lyman case trimmer. It has an adjustable case holder and comes with all the popular pilots you'll prolly need. Costs around 80 bucks . hdbiker

 

[silicosys4]

I would like the ability to reload brass in every die I own
Heres a list of the dies that I inherited with the rl550 when my dad passed. He also left some new brass in a couple of these calibers.

338 WinMag I dont have rifle in this caliber
308 Win
375 Super Mag Dont have rifle
243 Win
30-06 Springfield
45 ACP
380 Auto Dont have rifle
38/357
44 Mag/ 44 Spec



Dies i bought which I will be reloading regularly

223
300 Blk This caliber is one reason I need a trimmer as I have a bit of Lake City I plan to cutdown
9mm Luger


Thanks alot for that little bit of info as 9mm will be one of the calibers I mostly reload.

I got tired of trimming 1k+ .308 and 2-3k+ .223, all LC brass collected off a military range and all needing trimming. I used a Hornady LnL power case trimmer for a while and it took so long to trim, chamfer, and deburr everything that I picked up a dillon RT1500. Its spendy, but since it sizes as it trims, it eliminated a lot of prep time for me.
Its pretty damn spendy, each caliber die costs almost $100, and the unit itself is $,
but if high volume trimming is in your future, especially .300blk trimming, it does save a lot of time and energy and the RT1500 is specifically made to trim .300blk.
I use the dillon for .223 and .308 and a hornady LnL power case trimmer for all other rifle rounds.
I would NOT recommend the LnL power case trimmer. Worst $500 I ever spent on reloading equipment

 

[Mikhail2400]

Man you folk really come thru when someone asks questions. Im glad I joined yall.
I going to go ahead and buy the Forster but I think later I may pick up The Little Crow WFT2 for the 300BLK.

Thanks for helping me make my decision, Mike

 

[griff383]

Just gonna toss this in, the Giraud trimmer.

Not cheap but saves a boatload of time because it trims, chamfers, and deburrs all at once AND very consistently I might add. You do have to buy caliber specific parts but they aren't too bad.

I've had one for around 10 years and I can't tell you how much time and pain it has saved. Worth every penny, don't tell Giraud this but I would have paid double.

 

[jonc]

Wilson/ sinclair case trimmer.

 

[Foton]

Just gonna toss this in, the Giraud trimmer.

Not cheap but saves a boatload of time because it trims, chamfers, and deburrs all at once AND very consistently I might add. You do have to buy caliber specific parts but they aren't too bad.

I've had one for around 10 years and I can't tell you how much time and pain it has saved. Worth every penny, don't tell Giraud this but I would have paid double.

Absolutely agree. Think big electric pencil sharpener for brass.

 

[Walkalong]

Evidently I don't have a pic of my WFT trimmer (have three)

 

[eschafer]

I bought a Redding 2400, because it was cheap.... I hate it... the universal collet for all cases is tricky at times and has caused me to trim cases short... I do measure each case after trimming so I catch my errors quickly... If I were to buy another it would be the Wilson / Sinclair.....

 

[jonas66]

op- Just another note if it matters to you-- the Forster trimmers have an attachment you can buy ( two, actually, one for rifle rounds and another for handgun ) which allow you to mount and center a loaded round and drill out hollowpoints.

ETA: So far I've just been using the cheapo Lee deal chucked in a power drill mounted in my bench vise. Use a phillips head bit to ream pockets and the lee pocket cleaner to clean.

Trim, ream and clean brass, develop calluses and grip strength all at once!

 

[NMexJim]

Im new to reloading and so far the biggest thing I have learned is theres always something else I need to buy. Im thinking the whole "save money by reloading" is a crock of sh1t. With that said im ok with everything so far and I really like it all so far.

Ok now to the reason for this thread, I need a case trimmer. At the moment im leaning towards the Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit, mainly because the kit seems to cover all I will need.

Theres also the Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress but the cost, bad reviews on build quality and I dont think it will work with shoulder-less brass.

I dont really like the trimmers which require you to buy different parts to fit different calibers, which is why I do like the Forster listed above and the Lyman which comes with quite alot of size bushings. So if ant of you have any advice you wish to share with this rookie please do so. At the moment im kind of wondering which way to jump.

I like my Foster. Very accurate and the cutter is very good and cuts easily. There are two sizes, and by that, I'm talking about base lengths. The head and tail stock will just change over between the two lengths. For pistol cartridges (I trim pistol brass that will be roll crimped and are rimmed like .357, but I have trimmed the occasional 9mm too) and through 30-06 rifle, the Original will be the one you want. Should you at some time include .338 and .375 or want to turn necks, you'll need the longer base. Foster trimmer are very vesitile, and can be set up for inside and outside neck trimming, etc. Get the adapter so you can use a 1/4" dril and the case to hold all the bits is nicel. You'll want the kit with pilots and collets.I'd recommend you call Foster's and talk with them before ordering.

Case Trimmer Bases
Optional bases for the Original and Classic manual Case Trimmers, in two sizes:

• Standard Base (5⅜” long): used with the Classic Case Trimmer to trim shorter cases, already included with the Original Case Trimmer.
• Long Base (6½” long): used with the Original Case Trimmer for outside neck turning cases and hollow pointing cartridges longer than 2.80″, already included with the Classic Case Trimmer.

Having said this, I used a Lyman for many years with success. Cutters are inexpensive and the universal shell holder works well with a bit of practice. Maybe not as accurate, but it sure did work just fine.

You're being new to reloading and if budget is a consideration, you might want to hold off on expensive trimmers of any stripe until you get some time under your belt. Avid shooter and no budget constraints? Get 'em all as long as it doen't have a hand crank!

 

[Mikhail2400]

You're being new to reloading and if budget is a consideration, you might want to hold off on expensive trimmers of any stripe until you get some time under your belt. Avid shooter and no budget constraints? Get 'em all as long as it doen't have a hand crank!

LOL, I like that, "get em all as long as it doesnt have a crank". Yeah im all for power drives over manual. As far as budget considerations go im retired, im single (and plan to stay that way) and ive discovered that my money doesnt disappear near as fast as it did when I wasnt single. Yep theres not a single frilly throw pillow on my couch or bed. Im getting the Forster, I was going to get the kit but ive found if I just buy the trimmer plus the accessory box I get everything the kit has plus some other stuff at a cheaper price overall.

 

[NMexJim]

LOL, I like that, "get em all as long as it doesnt have a crank". Yeah im all for power drives over manual. As far as budget considerations go im retired, im single (and plan to stay that way) and ive discovered that my money doesnt disappear near as fast as it did when I wasnt single. Yep theres not a single frilly throw pillow on my couch or bed. Im getting the Forster, I was going to get the kit but ive found if I just buy the trimmer plus the accessory box I get everything the kit has plus some other stuff at a cheaper price overall.

Something for FREE! I shocked!

 

[DukeConnor]

There seems to be a lot of recommendations for manual trimmers. Sitting there spinning the little handle or trying to chuck a cordless drill onto it and working through a bucket of brass is, in my opinion torture.

Its fine for lovingly loading 10 rounds of deer hunting ammo.

Just buy a Giraud power trimmer and be done with it. I spent twice as much money on various trimmers than the Giraud would have cost me if I bought it first.

https://www.giraudtool.com/giraud-power-trimmer.html

 

[Kaldor]

Just gonna toss this in, the Giraud trimmer.

Not cheap but saves a boatload of time because it trims, chamfers, and deburrs all at once AND very consistently I might add. You do have to buy caliber specific parts but they aren't too bad.

I've had one for around 10 years and I can't tell you how much time and pain it has saved. Worth every penny, don't tell Giraud this but I would have paid double.

I love my Giraud, but I dont think its a beginner piece of kit. I think a beginning reloader that has aims for precision would be better served with an annealer and a FX120i to start out with for about the same price if they are really looking for something that will offer some long term value that they can build on. A Giraud can always be added later and is really overkill for a cartridge youre going to load 50-100 rounds a year. But its your money, do what you like!

Ive run my Giraud and my WFT2 for thousands of pieces of brass, and I think the WFT2 is still faster, or at least it is for me. All that being said, once Dillon gets it together with making their trim dies available again, I will be switching all my bulk 223 and 308 trimming to an RT1500. My hands will thank me

 

[CDP45]

I use RCBS. Fosters are good and I use to own one. However, if I needed a part fast (pilot) I could go to the nearest gun store and grab one.